LPN Medical-Surgical Nursing: Cardiovascular Disorders 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance should the LPN monitor for most closely?
- Hypernatremia
- Hypokalemia (Correct answer)
- Hypermagnesemia
- Hypercalcemia
Correct answer: Hypokalemia
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium loss, putting patients at risk for hypokalemia.
Question 2: A patient with atrial fibrillation is on warfarin therapy. Which lab value does the LPN check to monitor anticoagulation effectiveness?
- aPTT
- INR (Correct answer)
- Platelet count
- Fibrinogen level
Correct answer: INR
The INR (International Normalized Ratio) is used to monitor warfarin therapy effectiveness and guide dosing adjustments.
Question 3: A patient reports crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm. What is the LPN's FIRST action?
- Administer nitroglycerin
- Obtain a 12-lead ECG
- Notify the charge nurse or physician immediately (Correct answer)
- Draw cardiac enzyme labs
Correct answer: Notify the charge nurse or physician immediately
The LPN must immediately notify the charge nurse or physician of suspected myocardial infarction symptoms before initiating other interventions.
Question 4: Which finding in a patient with hypertensive crisis requires the LPN to report immediately to the RN?
- BP of 118/76 mmHg
- Heart rate of 88 bpm
- Severe headache and blurred vision (Correct answer)
- Temperature of 98.6°F
Correct answer: Severe headache and blurred vision
Severe headache and blurred vision in a hypertensive patient may indicate hypertensive encephalopathy, a medical emergency.
Question 5: A patient is diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
- Massage the affected leg to improve circulation
- Apply warm compresses and elevate the leg
- Encourage the patient to ambulate frequently
- Measure and compare bilateral calf circumferences daily (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Measure and compare bilateral calf circumferences daily
Measuring bilateral calf circumferences daily helps monitor for progression or resolution of DVT swelling.
Question 6: A patient with heart failure has a prescription for digoxin. Before administering the medication, the LPN should assess which parameter?
- Blood pressure
- Apical pulse for one full minute (Correct answer)
- Respiratory rate
- Temperature
Correct answer: Apical pulse for one full minute
The apical pulse must be counted for one full minute before giving digoxin; hold the dose if the rate is below 60 bpm.
Question 7: Which symptom indicates a patient with heart failure is experiencing right-sided heart failure?
- Pulmonary edema
- Orthopnea
- Dependent pitting edema (Correct answer)
- Pink frothy sputum
Correct answer: Dependent pitting edema
Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the systemic circulation, resulting in dependent pitting edema in the ankles and legs.
LPN Medical-Surgical Nursing: Cardiovascular Disorders 2
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide.
Which electrolyte imbalance should the LPN monitor for most closely?